Position Objective: Provide services as a Behavioral Neuroscience Technician (Rats) in support of the overall functions of the National Institute on Aging (NIA) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The specific function is to provide support for the NIA IRP Laboratory of Neuroscience, Neurocognitive Aging Section (LBN\NAS: https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/labs/lbn/neurocognitive-aging-section). The scope of function, as detailed below, will include behavioral testing of rats, biological sample acquisition, animal colony management, data analysis and quality control, validation of experimental procedures, and other activities as required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform rat behavioral phenotyping, including, but not limited to, watermaze, novel odor recognition, social memory assessment. 1
• Perform biological sample collection, preparation, and storage. 2
• Analyze data generated from behavioral phenotyping and maintain databases of rodent colonies, generated data and biosamples. 3
• Update animal protocol through the submission of amendments and submission of new animal protocols to ensure necessary animal work for experiments.
• Handle, dissect and euthanize animals.
• Assist with and perform animal survival surgery, including intraspinal injections. Handle, dissect and euthanize animals.
• Support design-based quantitative morphometric studies using stereological methods. 4
• Perform analysis of animal tissues; prepare frozen slices and paraffin sections, appropriately stained to demonstrate normal and abnormal structures.
• Perform a variety of specialized tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning and staining techniques. 5
• Work with staff to process tissue for immunohistochemistry.
• Update and maintain laboratory notebooks and databases; collect, analyze and interpret data.
• Collect, review, research, and analyze large datasets; perform experiments, utilizing various statistical applications and methods; and interpret data, assemble data into figures, and enter data into a database.
• Collate, edit and archive electronic and paper laboratory files, notebooks and databases.
• Participate and collaborate in the preparation of scientific publications for peer reviewed journals based on the results.
• Document information on procedures, modifications and methods for input into final publication and presentations of findings at meetings.
• Document all laboratory procedures, experiments and results; maintain and update laboratory notebooks and databases.
• Work products and documents related to data collection, data analysis, distribution, and archiving. - Daily
• Clean Equipment - Daily
• Inspect Equipment - Daily
• Meet with lab members to present updates - Bi-Weekly
• Work products and documents related to implementation of rat behavioral phenotyping. - Ad-Hoc

Basic Qualifications:

• BS or BA degree in Neuroscience, Psychology or related field.
• Experienced with diagnostic or behavioral equipment, Word, and Excel.
• Extensive rat handling experience.
• Experience in biological sample collection, preparation, and storage.
• Rat behavioral phenotyping experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to multi-task and pay close attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by this position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

GAP Solutions provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need an accommodation to apply for a job us at recruiting@gapsi.com. You will need to reference the requisition number of the position in which you are interested. Your message will be routed to the appropriate recruiter who will assist you. Please note, this email address is only to be used for those individuals who need an accommodation to apply for a job. Emails for any other reason or those that do not include a requisition number will not be returned.

GAP Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, sex, religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and gender expression, familial status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected status or characteristics.

This position is contingent upon contract award.